Saint Fan CaM

Not sure why everyone including the OP is modelling the expectation on just PL clubs. Where for example, would Barcelona sit in that league? Wherever that is (let's say level 2 for arguements sake as that's realistic), then that's where we might (at this point in time anyway) expect Saints to be. Why? Because our model for the future is not based on an ability to dig into the Leibherrs bank account, but to be self-sustaining through an excellent youth development policy that is the envy of the entire footballing world. And everyone at the club who knows what Cortese can achieve, believes in this strategy - so should we!

Can't see how it could affect us. NC will just make sure there's money available in a bank account somewhere to indemnify the club's outgoings and therefore we will appear 'break even' or even profitable.

This is simply good news. I think there is an excellent opportunity that Adkins will become our Alex Ferguson after a few years in the top flight. That is my hope.

I like the idea of getting a credit for games I cannot attend. I also like the idea of being able to book specific seats on-line (for ST holders only), particularly if I want to change my seat to enable me to sit with somebody else. But I also would not want to give up my ST seat. One day soon I will have one of the best views in the Premiership and I'll have waited a long time indeed to be able to say that!

We could go in for players released by the promoted teams - some good ones in QPR for example. For the most part though I think as others have said, Adkins will not want to disrupt the spirit of the side and we do have some good players here already that don't on the team sheet every week. There are goals in this team and I also reckon that the NPC will suit our style more than L1.

Watched MOD2 last night for the first time in ages - I had kind of forgotten some of the quality and pace of even the lower half sides (e.g. Wolves look like a really strong pacey side and it's quite surprising to see them where they are). The teams at the top of the NPC have got there because they are playing with pace and this has been achieved in preparation for the move up to the Prem. At the moment Saints are in need of more pace in the team. There are a couple of players that can move, but not enough and this is where we need to strengthen. I would say, 3-4 players - CB, CM, possibly a winger and ST. It would not surprise me in the slightest if we looked at players released by the likes of QPR - in fact we would be mad not to.

Crikey, glad I couldn't go now - all those blasted plastic kids screaming and running around all over the place would have done me 'ead in. ;)

Don't really like to drop names, however I have spent time with Lawrie and his Wife around a dinner table at SMS on more than one occasion and in my opinion they are both lovely people, they love the Saints and he has some great tales to tell. Regardless of his opinions regarding the people running the club now (I not sure I agree with everything he says, but why shouldn't he have an opinion?), he only wants the best for Saints. Top bloke, always a legend in my eyes and a real privelage to shake his hand and spend time in his company. Even though he turfed me out of an end of aisle seat once - "this is where I usually sit, so I can stretch out my legs" he said...I didn't argue!

This. But she did say "IF the conditions were right". I took this to mean "if Alex gets a massive salary increase that matches any offer he might get from a Prem team".

We all would have seen the trophy being presented but for 1,000's of mongs invading the pitch at full-time. (;

You are all barking. Make of that what you will.

this!!!

Absolutely top post and echoes my thoughts too. I've really enjoyed L1 actually. OK, some of the football has been a bit pants at times and some of the officials are terrible, but overall the games have been exciting and I've been going along expecting my team to win. It has been great to see a genuine spirit among the players and indeed among the fans. Looking ahead just a little bit, one thing that I will be enjoying is seeing a Manager finish a season on a high, be able to confidently add to his squad and start the next season with a full pre-season of settled players under his wing. In other words, we are for once giving ourselves the best chance to start next season on a high. One last thing to say. I have no sympathy with any JCL who suddenly comes back to Saints because we're now upwardly mobile and who now cannot get a ticket for upcoming NPC games. All the ST holders particularly that have stuck with the club through the dark times will rightly reap the rewards as Saints go marching on.

Brave people - hope you're not wearing colours! If we win and effectively send them down, it could get ugly for any Saints fans celebrating in the away section.

The playing surface will be relaid over the summer I think (happens most seasons I believe) and I doubt it's condition will affect Sundays game. Having said that, while I understand the party spirit will be among us all, I really don't think running on the pitch is a particularly good idea. Would rather see the players with their families on the pitch doing a lap of honour - they bloody well deserve it.

I think that Hammond or Schneiderlin with Chaplow is a good combo. Not so Hammond and Schneiderlin - the goals dry up and we're very one dimensional.

Think we will hit a consolidation point next season again - top 10...possibly play-offs, but all depends on the quality of the incoming summer signings and the decisions about who's out the door. Tricky stuff to keep squad spirits high whilst losing deadwood.

West Ham really - others I couldn't give a rats @rse about.

Bloody hooligan youth - keep off the damn pitch and let the law abiding supporters of this superb football club enjoy the proud march of the players and their families around the pitch. pmsl.

£395 would be acceptable - that would represent an over 10% increase which is somewhat higher than inflation ATM.

A win - hopefully by a massive margin just to nail home the certainty that we ARE the best team in L1 and on the South coast, but glad just to win. I want us to go up auto regardless of GD. It's going to be a great day whatever the score - we are going up, we are going up!

Definately Bournemouth. Limited funds would mean less strengthening. There's a couple of players in the other teams that might fancy the step-up if they lose out on promotion (e.g. Pilkington, CMS).

Is it me, or does that sound so wrong?!

Mackail-Smith. Brown from Pimpley. Pilkington. These for starters would be awesome signings. Don't think Nigel will be wanting to sign too many as otherwise team spirit might be tarnished.

Fantastic work Mike - thanks. Have the club contributed yet or have they suggested they will?